“I would like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make sure we were prepared for the forecast bad weather,” said Leader of the Council, Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew. “We work as a team and that is incredibly important at times like these.”

Remedial works at a stream in Carhampton were identified late last year and, after discussions with the landowner, the SRA and West Somerset Council, the EA was able to deploy its contractors to the site to carry out the work that helped prevent flash-flooding.

Work was also carried out clearing the Parkhouse Road culvert in Minehead in the week before Christmas to reduce the risk of flooding.

The district council’s regular visits to monitor areas vulnerable to flooding has led to bids being made for funding from the SRA and the council hopes this will enable maintenance works to not only be continued but improved.

“Our approach in working with partners is proving its worth,” said Cllr Martin Dewdney, Lead Member for environment. “As Storm Eleanor approached we were able to work together and identify what needed to be done and when.

“A fine example of this was our assistant harbour master Craig Butler putting up the flood boards at Watchet Harbour in good time to protect the town. Other communities also made sure they had plans in place and our flood groups were on stand-by.

“After the storm had passed we received some excellent follow-up information from the EA and the county council and arrangements were made to clear shingle and stones from a number of affected roads.”